Volume 3, Chapter 49: Anti-Entropy's Sacrifice

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From a purely strategic standpoint, assisting Bronya was also essential.

The primary cause of Schicksal's current chaos was undoubtedly Otto's 'death', leading to conflicting voices and diverting attention from other matters.

Durandal, though formidable, struggled to suppress these diverse opinions. The hidden agendas of each branch and national governments further exacerbated this turmoil.

The most evident manifestation was the war between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy.

Nearly everyone clamored for the complete dismantling of Anti-Entropy, acting like invisible hands pushing Schicksal into the quagmire of war.

It seemed as if all voices were urging Schicksal's Valkyries to engage in a prolonged, epoch-defining conflict against Anti-Entropy, ideally until Schicksal depleted its resources entirely.

In modern organizations, money is the best means of sustenance. It's crucial to note that Schicksal does not have its own printing press.

Upon arriving at the Oceanic Branch and effectively becoming the leader, Xia Chen quickly realized Schicksal's greatest weakness.

Despite controlling resources vital to many developed nations worldwide, Schicksal did not possess the most critical aspect of modern society—the right to mint currency.

Otto couldn't have been unaware of the benefits this power brings, but his reluctance to seize control likely stemmed from not wanting Schicksal to become an unstoppable behemoth. Without the authority to mint currency, even with vast wealth, Schicksal had a significant vulnerability—money.

In this era, neither military force nor technology held sway; money was paramount.

Unless Schicksal chose to act as a civilization's destroyer and plunder wealth, it would contradict its original purpose.

Therefore, they needed to find ways for Schicksal to spend money effectively. The inability to generate internal funds was its greatest weakness.

Xia Chen also began to understand how Theresa squandered Schicksal's resources.

Without financial backing, Otto's cunning, or the ruthlessness typical of leaders, the organization's downfall seemed inevitable by all accounts.

Comparatively, Theresa managed to preserve Saint Freya Academy and foster legends about 'heroes,' ensuring their achievements were not forgotten—a remarkable feat indeed.

He suddenly recalled Russia from his previous world.

However, now wasn't the time to ponder such matters.

He told Wendy, "Currently, all voices demand a full-scale war between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. I believe if this war begins, Schicksal will undoubtedly be dragged down. In the worst-case scenario, those controlling the dolls might instigate Honkai Events worldwide to further hinder us."

"This is typical of the Dominated Dolls; they have both the inclination and capability for such actions."

"I'll contact Rita and explain the situation."

Xia Chen preferred not to take risks involving political identity, so he entrusted the decision-making to Headquarters.

And as expected, their response aligned with his thoughts.

The vulnerabilities of Schicksal were not known only to Xia Chen; Rita and Amber were aware as well. This was why they advocated for limiting the scale of the conflict.

Many large corporations do not fail due to losses but rather from a disruption in their cash flow.

Naturally, Schicksal would not readily agree, as accepting too easily could minimize the consequences of betrayal, causing harm to themselves.

After reading Rita's reply, Xia Chen felt a headache coming on.

He asked Wendy, somewhat exasperated, "Tell me, why does politics even exist?"

Wendy blinked curiously, "What's going on?"

"Rita agreed in principle but demands Anti-Entropy pay a sufficient price, enough to silence any objections within Headquarters."

"But you should also know, if the cost is too high, Anti-Entropy won't accept it. Although the value of life is immeasurable, it shouldn't bankrupt them just to save one little girl."

A competent organization must always weigh and balance values. Currently, Bronya was undoubtedly a talented young girl.

However, that was all she represented.

Politics is inherently complex; unlike ancient civilizations where conquest through plundering and bloodshed sufficed, modern societies require more nuanced approaches.

"So what does Rita want from Anti-Entropy as compensation?"

"I don't know yet," Xia Chen replied casually. "Firstly, it needs to appease others and demonstrate the consequences of betrayal; secondly, it must be affordable for Anti-Entropy."

"Won't those two conditions contradict each other?" Wendy seemed puzzled.

Compared to Schicksal, Anti-Entropy was relatively small. How could anything they offer effectively silence Schicksal? Moreover, considering that group has likely already arrived, no matter what price Anti-Entropy pays, Schicksal would undoubtedly crush them anyway.

"Yes, precisely. So I plan to leave this question for others to ponder." He paused and then said to Wendy, "Continue contacting Kiana."

"What?! Paying to keep someone else's mouth shut? Why doesn't Schicksal just rob us outright?" Upon receiving Kiana and Theresa's message, Tesla flew into a rage.

To her, this was nothing short of mockery and harassment from Schicksal.

Einstein frowned, turning to Theresa. "What do you think about this?"

"Honestly, my thoughts are quite jumbled right now," she admitted. "I wouldn't willingly abandon my student, but I also understand we shouldn't burden Anti-Entropy too much."

She sighed. "But for now..."

"No, it's not a burden." Einstein paused before continuing, "Principal Theresa, there is something important you need to know. At present, we are allies—watching each other's backs. We trust few individuals, and even fewer share our goals and principles. So, this isn't a burden; it's a challenge we must face together."

"Moreover, based on previous intelligence, those at the helm of Schicksal aren't petty villains. Otherwise, they would have deployed more than just a Lesser Divine Construct over the Pacific Ocean."

"It's clear that Schicksal itself has been coerced, with Otto's incident being the direct cause."

Despite Amber and others' efforts to conceal the situation surrounding Otto, rumors still spread.

Einstein spoke candidly, "We must consider the implications of Otto's predicament and the challenges ahead. This demand can also be seen as a plea for help."

"This is our opportunity."

Tesla couldn't help but scoff. "Mophead, you don't seriously intend to agree with them, do you?"

"Why not?" Einstein asked. "With only our current strength, what can we truly accomplish for this world?

"We must remember one thing—the primary enemy of Anti-Entropy has always been Honkai." Einstein remained clear-headed amidst these circumstances.

"So, what will we offer?" Tesla frowned involuntarily.

Anti-Entropy wasn't opposed to making sacrifices, but giving without limits would only worsen their situation.

Einstein replied calmly, "Since Schicksal leaves it up to us, they essentially want us to stage a performance together. Regardless of what we offer, they'll accept it just to silence any dissent. Moreover, whatever we provide could become the pivotal point for transforming the conflict between Schicksal and Anti-Entropy into cooperation.

"Theoretically, offering something valuable like Anti-Entropy's crucial Titan manufacturing blueprints should suffice."

"Wow, you sure know how to pull off a bluff," remarked Tesla.

Einstein blinked. "These indeed hold great importance for Anti-Entropy, no?"

Kiana chimed in from the side, "If that's your perspective, Dr. Einstein, there seems little need for such serious discussion. Is there more you'd like to share?"

Einstein couldn't help but gain newfound respect for Kiana.

"Indeed, while the Titan blueprints are crucial, I intend to use this opportunity for something else."

"This requires Schicksal's cooperation; together, we aim to capture the Herrscher of Dominance."